There is a lot of confusion about child support payment obligations when a couple gets divorced here in Waldorf, Maryland, or in other parts of Southern Maryland. In this article, we debunk some of the common myths about child support. If you are thinking about obtaining a Maryland divorce and have questions about child support, call us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 870-1200. We are seasoned and skilled family law and divorce attorneys with offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

Myth: Only Fathers Pay Child Support

This is a myth. Mothers may be responsible for paying child support, too, if their income is sufficiently higher than the father’s income and the father has primary custody of the children. Generally, the non-custodial parent pays child support. It is more and more common for fathers to be awarded custody.

Myth: Paying Child Support is Rare

This is a myth. In any Maryland divorce where there are minor children, almost always, one parent is going to pay child support.

Myth: There is No Child Support if There is Joint Custody

This is a myth. Child support payments may be less when there is joint custody, but almost always, one parent is going to pay child support. The reason is that child support payments are calculated based on two factors: who has custody and which parent earns more than the other. If one parent is earning $100,000 a year, but the other is earning $20,000 a year, the higher-earning parent will be paying child support even if custody is shared 50/50.

Myth: Child Support Payments Stay the Same Until the Child or Children Reach Majority

This is a myth. Depending on the age of the child or children, it is common for child support payments to be modified several times during the child’s upbringing. This is because parents can lose their jobs, and there can be unforeseen expenses for the child/children. These can lead the parents to seek a modification of the child support payment Order from the Maryland divorce court.

Myth: If I Lose My Job, Child Support Payments Will Be Lowered

It depends on if you lost your job legitimately and for reasons that were beyond your control. You cannot purposely impoverish yourself to avoid paying child support.

Myth: Child Support Payments End if One or Both Parents Remarry

This is a myth. In Maryland, both parents have an obligation to pay for the support and upbringing of their children. As such, remarriage does not discharge those obligations. Moreover, the new spouse’s income and assets are NOT factored into the equation with respect to how much each parent is obligated to pay for the support of their child or children.

Myth: When a Child Reaches the Age of 18, Child Support Automatically Terminate

This is often true, but not always. This issue is typically handled in the final Order issued by the Maryland divorce court. The Order may indicate that child support automatically terminates, or it may state that the court must be notified. Further, as noted above, child support Orders can be modified. Finally, in cases where the child or children have special needs — like a medical condition — the original Order may indicate that child support will continue after the child reaches the age of 18. Educational needs are also a factor.

Myth: Unpaid Child Support Payments Cannot Be Collected After the Child Turns 18

This is a myth. In Maryland, there is no deadline for collecting back child support payments. The parent who is owed the child support can seek recovery of the unpaid child support at any time, even after the child or children turn 18.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland family law and divorce lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Divorce lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.